Belief In Allah (swt)
Chapter 1
Introduction
1. Belief in Allah is human nature (fitra)
2. Disbelief is a form of stupidity and a perversion of nature
3. Why this study is the most noble and the most important knowledge
4. The way to belief in Allah (swt)
5. Benefits of belief in Allah
Belief in Allah is human nature
Allah created us with an inclination to believe in Him. He took us all from the back of Adam and had us bear witness to His Lordship (Al-Ahzaab: 172-173). He sent messengers to remind us of this and call us back to our innate nature (Ar-Rum: 30). The Prophet (sas) said: "Everyone is born on the fitra, but their parents turn them into Jews or Christians or Magians. Just as the animal is born whole – do you see on it any injuries or missing parts?" After reporting this, Abu Huraira said: Read, if you are so inclined: {The Fitra (nature) with which Allah created the people – there is no changing the creation of Allah}
The Prophet (sas) said: "My Lord ordered me to teach you that of which you are ignorant… I created all of my slaves upright (monotheist) but the shayateen came to them and pulled them away from their din and ordered them to associate with me that for which I sent down no authority."
Disbelief is a form of stupidity and a perversion of nature
Since belief is our nature, disbelief is an unnatural state and contrary to our nature. This negates the belief that original or ‘primitive’ man was a pagan worshipper of idols. Rather, the atheists are the most primitive of peoples who actually follow their lusts and desires while believing they are following intelligence and reason. Belief in the oneness of Allah is not something concocted by people – it is our nature and is confirmed by the revelations to all of the prophets.
Why this study is the most noble and the most important knowledge
The nobility of any study derives from the nobility of its subject matter. The subject at hand deals with the knowledge of Allah, His Oneness and dedicating all forms off worship solely to Him.
There can be no more important field of study, since the fruit of understanding tauhid is a good life in this world and the success of eternal joy in the hereafter.
{Whoever works righteousness whether male or female while they are believers, we will give them a good life and will grand them their reward based on the best of that which they used to do.} An-Nahl: 97
{When guidance comes to you from me, whoever follows my guidance will not go astray nor sufer hardship. Whoever turns away from my guidance will have an oppressive life and we will gather him on Qiyama blind. He will say: My Lord why have you brought me back blind though I used to see? He said: Likewise my signs came to you and you were neglectful of them and in like manner today you are neglected.} Taha: 123
The way to belief in Allah (swt)
The disbelievers of all times disputed with guidance by demanding:
6. To see Allah directly
See: Ghaafir: 36-37; Al-Baqarah: 55; An-Nisaa: 1537. To hear Him speak to them directly
See: Al-Baqarah: 118
In this verse, Allah mentions that their statement resembles that of others before them and that {…their hearts are similar…} indicating that the disbelievers in all ages come with the same lame reasoning. Then, Allah said {…We have made the signs clear to a people who have certainty…} indicating that the road to belief in Allah is to ponder the signs of Allah which will fill the heart with certainty of belief in Him.8. That Allah grant their special wish or show them the sign they demand
See: Al-Israa’: 90-92
Benefits of belief in Allah
Allah has promised that the results of belief in Him include: a good life in this world (An-Nahl: 97), guidance (Al-Hajj: 54), might and pride (Al-Munafiqoon: 8), power in the earth (An-Nur: 55), salvation (Yunus: 102), Allah’s allegiance to us and
His defense of us and aid with His Might against our enemies (Al-Hajj: 38, Ar-Rum: 47), and that our enemy will never be able to overcome us and violate our dignity (An-Nisaa: 141).
As for the hereafter, the rewards promised are much greater. See: Yunus: 9-10, Al-Kahf: 107-108
The obvious absence of these benefits from our nation today can only be the result of our straying from the true belief in Allah (swt). Our success in this life and the hereafter can only come from our understanding and application of this knowledge. Knowledge required for belief in Allah includes:
9. Belief that Allah exists
10. Belief in the Lordship (omnipotence) of Allah and Allah alone
11. Belief in the Deityship (right to legislate and be obeyed) of Allah and Allah alone
12. Belief in the names and attributes of Allah as conveyed in the Communication
These issues will be the subject matter of the coming chapters, insha Allah ta’ala.